"Director, National Biologics Facility and AIBN Group Leader"

National Biologics Facility based at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)

Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 5 years, at Academic Level E or Level D, depending on the successful candidate's relevant combined industry and academic experience. Based at our vibrant and picturesque St Lucia Campus.

About This Opportunity

As a dynamic and strategic research leader, conduct high quality translational research in the area of biologics and biotherapeutics, as well as lead the National Biologics Facility (NBF). The role will provide a unique opportunity to support and contribute to the strategic direction of the strong biotechnology ecosystem at the University of Queensland.

The NBF at the AIBN is a leading and unique facility that plays a crucial role in assisting researchers and industry partners with their advanced biomanufacturing needs – from antibody discovery and mammalian cell line creation, through to industrially-relevant bioprocess and analytical method development to support Phase I-enabling clinical manufacture of recombinant proteins.

The NBF was established in 2007 and continues to leverage federal funding to operate a clean-room environment and single-use manufacturing train up to 50L scale with associated quality control analytics equipment.

This is an exciting opportunity to engage in outstanding research that sustains reputation at Associate Professor or Professor level while building international leadership in the biotechnology research area. At this level, you will take a leadership role within the thriving research environment at AIBN, make outstanding contributions in service and engagement roles and activities with an existing dedicated expert facility staff within the NBF, as well as supervision and training of emerging scientists.

Key responsibilities will include:

AIBN Group Leader (0.5 FTE)

• Research: Establish a research program, collaborate on research projects, seek and manage research funding, publish in reputable journals, utilize best practice research methodologies, and participate in project discussions.
• Teaching: Where undergraduate and postgraduate teaching is undertaken, achieve teaching quality as indicated by approved surveys and outcomes for students and improve or innovate where appropriate in response to feedback.
• Supervision and Researcher Development: Supervise students, recruit and manage employees, provide performance feedback and training, resolve conflicts, and ensure correct remuneration and benefits.
• Citizenship and Service: Develop partnerships, demonstrate leadership through mentoring, engage in internal service roles and committees, perform administrative functions, provide support to colleagues, and uphold university values.

This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.

Director, National Biologics Facility (NBF) (0.5 FTE)

• Client engagement and project guidance: Act as the primary liaison for scientific researchers and small biotech companies, guiding clients through the translation of therapeutic candidates from research to clinical endpoints; ensure projects align with regulatory expectations and scientific best practices.
• Strategic leadership and direction: Define and drive the strategic vision and objectives of the facility; identify emerging opportunities in therapeutic development and position the facility accordingly; foster innovation and continuous improvement in technical capabilities and service offerings.
• Technical oversight and advancement: Direct the development and implementation of advanced technologies for recombinant protein production; oversee the integration of new methodologies to enhance efficiency, scalability, and quality.
• Quality Management System (QMS) stewardship: Maintain and resource the facility’s QMS to ensure consistent quality and compliance; promote a culture of quality engagement across the facility.
• University and stakeholder representation: Represent the facility within the University’s research and innovation ecosystem; build and maintain strong relationships with academic departments, research centres, and administrative units.
• Government and grant engagement: Participate in national grant schemes to secure funding and expand capabilities; report regularly to government funding bodies on facility performance, impact, and outcomes; ensure compliance with funding requirements and contribute to strategic national initiatives.
• Team leadership and development: Lead a multidisciplinary team of dedicated facility staff with broad experience in translation of therapeutic proteins; foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that supports professional growth and scientific excellence.

About You

• Extensive Academic and Industry Background: A PhD in life sciences with over 10 years of international experience across academia and the commercial biotechnology sector, including regulated environments and cGMP manufacturing.
• Biotechnology Research Expertise: Proven track record in biotechnology, especially in developing biological therapeutics from discovery through to clinical and commercial stages.
• Executive and Leadership Experience: Demonstrated leadership in biotechnology, including technical oversight and strategic direction in biotherapeutic production and translation.
• Commercialisation and IP Strategy: Strong understanding of IP portfolio management and commercialisation pathways for biotech products.
• Local Ecosystem Engagement: Thorough understanding of the Australian and Queensland biotech landscape, with a commitment to growing the ecosystem through UQ and NBF networks.
• Collaborative Track Record: History of successful collaboration with academic and industry partners, fostering productive external and internal relationships.
• Ethical and Research Integrity: Commitment to high standards of ethical conduct and research excellence.
• Advocacy and Representation: Ability to represent and promote biotechnology initiatives at university, industry, and government levels.
• Organisational Management: Experience managing people, finances, and resources in dynamic research and service-based environments.
• Commercial Technical Expertise: High-level technical skills in therapeutic molecule development, strategic project planning, and experience with biotech service providers like CROs and CDMOs.